Southern Gospel Music Association (1982-19??)

History

In 1982, the Georgia Gospel Music Association adopted a national scope and was rebranded the Southern Gospel Music Association. The organization was owned by Charlie Waller who also served as the Executive Director.

Memberships were sold to groups as well as fans. Charlie Waller served as the SGMA's Executive Director and Becky Moon was elected to be the SGMA's president. The organization presented awards that year in 7 professional and 5 non-professional categories, recognized Wendy Bagwell with their Pioneer Award, and named James Sego as a member of their Hall Of Fame. The awards came to be called GEM Awards at the suggestion of Jan Buckner. The SGMA also launched a syndicated radio program in 1982 called Southern Gospel Music USA.

In 1985, Les Beasley, who was serving as SGMA president by that point, announced that the board members had purchased the SGMA from Charlie Waller and settled all the organization's debts. Waller continued to serve as Executive Director.

The SGMA presented the GEM Awards annually for at least five years and elected a new president each year before ultimately ceasing activities.

Southern Gospel Music Association (1994-present)

History

A new Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) was formed in 1994 as a non-profit organization. Original board members included JD Sumner, Gerald Wolfe, Ed O'Neal, Maurice Templeton, Charle Burke, Eldridge Fox, Eddie Crook, Jerry Goff, and Jerry Kirksey. An advisory board was also created consisting of various artists and other industry leaders. An emphasis was immediately placed on building a physical Hall Of Fame & Museum.

The organization's stated mission is to “preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel Music, its history and heritage". Anyone can join the SGMA with the payment of annual dues. The SGMA's members along with the organization's board of directors are responsible for the nomination, selection, and induction of the individuals who make up the SGMA Hall of Fame.

The SGMA operates the SGMA Hall Of Fame and Museum. The Hall of Fame began inducting members in 1997 and opened the doors of a physical facility on April 17, 1999 inside the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The SGMA announced the formation of a research library located in Hendersonville, Tennessee in 2019.

The SGMA Museum was closed during the 2020 season at Dollywood due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The contents of the museum were placed in storage at the end of Dollywood's 2020 season. Dollywood opted not to renew the lease for 2021.

In late 2021, the SGMA announced their museum would open a new physical location inside Biblical Times Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The grand opening for the new location was held in September 2022.

In 2021, the SGMA formed a sponsorship partnership with SGHistory.com.

The SGMA has also sponsored special events including an annual golf tournament.